Describes a Web site that introduces novice Web users to principles of design and navigation of instructional Web sites. Discusses the process involved in designing the site, lessons learned while developing it, and recommendations for further research. Includes a list of research-based guidelines derived from the literature in the areas of screen…

Guidelines for educational Web sites are discussed: determining the purpose; providing essential identifiers; determining page length; revising; establishing Internet Child Safety rules; providing a model for observing copyright law; providing links to home pages; using professional language; using images judiciously; assuring the page looks good…

Describes an interactive computer game developed for secondary school students to promote the teaching of multiculturalism. Discusses contextual difficulties, content, design strategy, prerequisites established by the psychology of education, screen design, and question answering. (AEF)

This paper presents ideas to help educators develop a Web page geared to supplement classroom instruction. These suggestions include: (1) keep it simple, initially; (2) organize; (3) use tables; (4) apply color; (5) provide images; (6) consult others; (7) get class feedback; (8)consider a discussion forum; and (9) link to other sites that relate…

Introduces a vision for how a multimedia learning system might work, and describes the design parameters involved in developing the EyeCue System, a large-scale interdisciplinary research-and-development project under development at North Carolina State University. (AEF)

For educators interested in developing Web sites, four major issues should be addressed--ethics, prerequisites, design, and layout. By giving attention to these four areas, teachers will develop Web sites that improve their teaching and increase the opportunities for student learning. Each of these areas is addressed in detail, including:…

Investigates the effects of audio and text density on the achievement, time-in-program, and attitudes of 134 undergraduate students. Data concerning pre-existing computer skills/experience and demographic information were also collected. Findings have implications for the use of audio, text and graphics in the design of computer-based instruction.…

Some of the elements instructional designers must consider when designing screens for computer based instruction (CBI) include legibility, readability, and particularly font size. The purpose of this study was to determine which size font is most effective for CBI. Participants were 163 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an…

This article focuses on the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) screen designs, including their benefits and limitations, as well as human constraints in designing effective CBI. The paper begins with an overview of what comprises an effective CBI screen design, including characteristics of human factors, how information must be…

Modeling the functions of a teacher in a computer interface is not a new practice; most computer applications employ electronic performance support systems (EPSS) such as online help, wizards, coaches, and even some forms of artificial intelligence. This paper presents easy-to-implement strategies for increasing learner autonomy by embedding…

The primary purpose of this article is to review the literature on research studies conducted in the last five years on the effectiveness of window presentation strategies and the cognitive dependence status of field-dependent/independent (FD/FI) learners in a computer-mediated instruction (CMI). Secondary to this purpose is to summarize research…

A difficult task in creating rich, exploratory interactive learning environments is building an environment that is truly engaging. Engagement can be defined as the nexus of intrinsic knowledge and/or interest and external stimuli that promote the initial interest in, and continued use of a computer-based learning environment. Complete and total…